How to Grow Platanus Orientalis - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Platanus orientalis is a species of plane tree native to eastern mediterranean region and south-western asia. it is one of the oldest cultivated trees in the world, being grown in temple gardens in ancient mesopotamia and egypt. the tree grows to 20–30 m tall, with a trunk up to 2.5 m in diameter. the leaves are large and palmate, with 5–7 lobes. the flowers are borne in capitula, and the fruit is a schizocarp. the platanus orientalis is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has a trunk that can be up to 2.5 meters in diameter. The leaves of the tree are large and palmate, with 5-7 lobes. The flowers of the tree are borne in capitula, and the fruit is a schizocarp. The tree is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia. It is one of the oldest cultivated trees in the world, being grown in temple gardens in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.

How to Grow Platanus Orientalis - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Chinar tree
  • Plane tree
  • Buttonwood
  • Sycamore
  • plagiarism

Common Knowledge

  • The scientific name for the Oriental plane tree is Platanus orientalis.
  • It is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 30-40m.
  • The leaves are large and palmate, with 5-7 lobes.
  • The tree is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees.
  • The fruit is a spherical, greenish-yellow drupe, about 2cm in diameter.
  • The tree is native to Iran, Iraq, Turkey and the Caucasus.
  • It has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
  • The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and is used in the manufacture of furniture and floors.
  • The tree is also known as the "golden rain tree" due to the yellow flowers it produces.
  • The tree is considered to be an important symbol of Istanbul, Turkey.

Related plant:
Platanus

How to Grow

  1. For platanus orientalis, first step is to obtain a young tree.
  2. Plant the tree in an area with full sun and well-draining soil.
  3. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few years after planting.
  4. Fertilize the tree every year with a slow-release fertilizer.
  5. Prune the tree regularly to encourage new growth and to maintain its shape.
  6. Protect the tree from strong winds and harsh winters.
  7. Check the tree regularly for pests and diseases.
  8. Harvest the leaves and fruit when they are ripe.
  9. Enjoy the shade and beauty of your platanus orientalis tree!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, it prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils, but it is easily adaptable to other types of soils and tolerates a wide range of pH levels. It is not drought tolerant, however, and will not survive in waterlogged soils.

Light requirement

Not too different with other members of the Platanus genus, the Oriental plane tree does best in full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It will also do well in any soil type as long as it is well-draining. This tree is very drought-tolerant once established.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the platanus orientalis tree is a warm climate. This tree is native to parts of Asia and the Middle East, where the climate is typically warm year-round. While the platanus orientalis can tolerate cooler temperatures, it will not thrive in an overly cold climate. If the temperature drops below freezing, the tree could be damaged or killed.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the humidity level drops below 30%, the leaves will start to dry out and turn brown. If the humidity level gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant requires very little fertilizer to maintain its growth. However, when applying fertilizer, one should be very careful not to overdo it as too much fertilizer can actually damage the roots of the tree. The best time to apply fertilizer is in the spring, just before new growth begins.

About light

Pruning is an important aspect of plant care for the Oriental plane tree. This deciduous tree can grow to be quite large, so pruning is necessary to keep it a manageable size. Pruning also encourages new growth and keeps the tree looking its best. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation for Platanus orientalis is typically done through rooting of hardwood cuttings taken from the lower trunk or branches of the tree. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free trees and should be cut to lengths of around 50 cm (20 inches). The cuttings should be placed in a shady location with well-drained soil and allowed to root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done on seedlings in the nursery. However, the average growth rate of a mature tree is approximately 30 cm (1 ft) per year. The maximum growth rate recorded for this species is approximately 60 cm (2 ft) per year. The platanus orientalis is a widely planted tree in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a popular street tree because it is resistant to environmental stress, adaptable to a variety of soil types, and tolerant of salt and pollution. The platanus orientalis has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is still used today in some parts of the world.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker and powdery mildew. Canker is caused by a fungal infection that affects the bark of the tree. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the tree.

Growing Tips

  • If you are growing platanus orientalis from seed, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting.
  • Plant platanus orientalis in an area that receives full sun.
  • Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  • Water platanus orientalis regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Fertilize platanus orientalis once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune platanus orientalis annually to maintain its shape and size.
  • Protect platanus orientalis from cold weather by covering it with a burlap cover or other material.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Propagate platanus orientalis by seed, cutting, or grafting.
  • Enjoy the beautiful shade and ornamental value that platanus

Related Plants

  • Plantaginaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the plantain or speedwell family.
  • Plantaginastrum is a plant genus within the family Plantaginaceae, native to North America.
  • Plantaginopsis is a genus of plants within the family Plantaginaceae.
  • Plantago is a genus of about 200 species of small flowering plants in the plantain family Plantaginaceae.
  • Plantagonyx is a plant genus within the family Plantaginaceae.
  • Plantago coronopus, also known as buck's-horn plantain, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae.
  • Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort, narrowleaf plantain or lamb's tongue, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae.
  • Plantago major, also known as common plantain,

Source:
Platanus orientalis (Asian Planetree) - landscapeplants.aub.edu.lb
SelecTree: A Tree Selection Guide - selectree.calpoly.edu
Platanus occidentalis | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University

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